NMC-MSU to host conference on climate and technology in grape production

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College and Michigan State University are hosting a conference, "Weathering the Climate: Cultivation and Technology in Grape Production,” Friday, September 5 at the Hagerty Center at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, 710 E. Front Street, Traverse City.

The conference features experts in agricultural technology, geography, horticulture, and other areas related to unmanned aerial systems technology and the science of grape production.

Sessions cover topics like Climate Change and Potential Agronomic Impacts in the Great Lakes Region, Impacts of the 2014 Polar Vortex on Grapes: Lessons Learned, How to Manage Grapes for Our Changing Climate, and Unmanned Systems and Technology Applications in Viticulture. There will be a vineyard demonstration of the application of unmanned systems at Chateau Chantal Vineyard and Winery, and a panel of grape growers who will discuss practical applications of unmanned systems technology in vineyard management.

Registration for the event can be done online by visiting nmc.edu/viticulture and following the links. Cost for the conference is $60, conference and dinner is $85. Rooms have been made available for conference attendees to reserve at the Bayshore Resort.